CASTELLO DI BRIANZA – The clothing brand Veloplus and the Cicli Spreafico store have many points of contact. Their headquarters, both located in the heart of Brianza, are only a few hundred meters from each other.But it's not just geographic proximity that unites their stories. The real common thread is the presence of a family whose love of cycling and their work are a true strength. We are talking about the Spreafico family.
The bike shop was founded by Maurizio Spreafico, a former professional cyclist who wanted to channel his passion into a bike shop after retiring. For over twenty years, Cicli Spreafico has been a point of reference for cycling enthusiasts in Brianza and beyond.
The Veloplus brand is decidedly younger, having been born in 2007 by the will of Maurizio himself and his wife Paola. Unfortunately, Paola has been gone since 2013, taken away by an incurable disease. To remember her today there is a women's cycling team strongly supported by her childrenMatteo, Alice and Erika. The team's name is PINKWAVE Cicli Spreafico and Matteo is here to tell us more about it.
What inspired you to create a women's team?
This year marks ten years since my mother passed away. We wanted to do something that reminded us of her.We then decided to create an all-female team with my sister Alice as president.
Can you explain the PINKWAVE project better?
We wanted to do something that would remember my mother, but at the same time promote concrete actions related to a terrible disease like cancer. Thanks to my partner Giulia we got in touch with LILT, the Italian League for the Fight Against Cancer and today the association's logo is clearly visible on the team's jersey.
How does the team's activity develop?
Today, the team is a meeting point, a true community, for all the girls who want to ride together and at the same time promote an important message: that of prevention. This is also why we promote bike rides aimed at raising funds for research.Naturally, there's also a certain competitive spirit, as is only right. Some of the team's members participate in the granfondos, achieving excellent results.
Veloplus and Cicli Spreafico are strongly united in this project. How exactly?
As Veloplus we created the team uniform. Spreafico Cycles, also at the request of my father Maurizio, is a sponsor of the team and provides mechanical support for the girls' bicycles.
Can you tell us something more about the uniform you created?
We developed it in collaboration with Corno Fabrics, which supplied the fabrics. As Veloplus, we oversaw its design and manufacturing. It is a uniform designed and made for womenIt's part of the Veloplus women's collection. The jersey is clean and visually striking, making it a surefire standout in a peloton. It certainly played its part in attracting many girls. who asked to join our team.
Are there any special initiatives planned this year to strengthen the team's community?
Throughout the year we organize several Training Camps, multi-day events created with the aim of spending time together, various bike rides in Brianza and the occasional aperitif. All this always to give the girls the opportunity to meet each otherAt the last training camp, the girls created a fundraiser through LILT and raised almost 2.000 euros.
By the way, how many girls are on the team today?
There are currently 25. I would like to point out that we have not run any campaign to promote the team. They all arrived on their own, through word of mouth, certainly attracted by the beauty of the shirt., but above all, the message the team wants to convey. Ours is a pink wave that carries with it a beautiful message.
